DECLARATION OF THE POLL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 34, 8 February 1879, Page 2

DECLARATION OF THE POLL

The ofliciiil declaration of the poll was made at the JL'rovincial Hall at noon to-day in the presence of about 100 persons. Mr Baddcley, ilie Returning Officer, having announced the numbers, declared Mr Acton Adams to be duly elected. Mr Adams (who wa.3 received \vi h much applause) said that he was very glad to meet the electors there to-day, and it was evident from the large majority he had polled that many of them were equally pleased to see him in the position he then occupied. That he was there was, he believed, mainly owing to his unswerving advocacy of National Education, from ihe time of his first appearance on the platform. Had he shifted his ground at all in this matter he would probably have been defeated, or, at least, would not have obtained so large a majority. It had been said that honesty and straightforwardness were incompatible with success in politics, but he did not agree with this, but believed that in the long run they produced the greatest and most lasting success. When he carried the Responsible Government Bill through the Council, it had been said that he had failed in his object because he did not take office under it, but he wished to show that he could fight for a principle as well as for personal ends. He had now again contended for a principle in the matter of education and had fought successfully. He wished to thank the Nelson public for the attentive hearing they had given to him, the electors for their support, and his Committee, which, he believed was the best ever formed in Nelson, for the energy and discretion with which they had worked for him. It was very gratifying to him to know that he had polled many more votes than had ever been given to one man in Nelson. He wished to give a distinct denial to a report that was abroad to the effect that he bad attacked Mr Sharp and Mr Curtis at his meeting at the fort. He had not even mentioned Mr Sharp's name, and had never indicated that he would not work under Mr Curtis. On the contrary, he would now repeat what he had said before, that in all matters connected with the railway he would willingly accept him as leader, and untiringly work with him for the benefit of Nelson. He hoped that all unpleasantness that might have arisen would now be placed in the background, and would conclude by quoting a few lines from Longfellow: — I am weary of your quarrels, Weary of your prayers for vengeance ; Of your wrangltngs and dissension, All your strength is in your union, All your danger is in discord; Therefore be at peace henceforward, Aud as brothers, live together. Mr Pitt (who stepped on to the platform amid loud cheers) wished to return his very sincere thanks to those who had voted for him. It was satisfactory to him to know | that ho had polled more votes lhau Mr J. C. Richmond and Mr Saunders together at the last contested election in Nelson, and very gratifying to him to be assured, as he had been by very many, that they had voted not against him personally, but against tha principles he had supported. The whole election had turned on the religious question, and not on the personal merits of the candidates, and, although he had no idea of asserting that he was the better man of the two, he felt sure that but for the introduction of what he might cull a side issue many who had voted agaiust him would have given him their support. To find, as he had done throughout the contest, that he was held in such high esteem by bis fellow citizens, was to him very gratifying indeed. He hoped that any ill-feeling that might have been evoked would soon bo allayed, aud thut peace and harmony would once more prevail in Nelson. lie was partly responsible for the the report to which Mr Adams had referred of what he had said at the Port meeting. Ho then distinctly stated that under the leadership of Mr Curtis, Nelson interests had been going down hill, and would continue to do so, unless they sent better men. This he took to be aimed at both Mr Curtis and Mr Sharp. (Mr Adams : No.) If Mr Adams said that he (Mr Pitt) was not giving expression to his ideas, he was sorry that he had misinterpretated him. Mr Adams had referred in high terms of praise to his Committee, which was beyond all question a most influential one. He (Mr Pitt) also wished to heartily thank his Committee, which was composed chiefly of working men, to whom, after the day's labor, rest would have been more congenial than the work of a Committee. He should never forget their efforts, and if ever it should in his power to do the working men of Nelson a good turn he certainly would not forget them. He hoped our members would work together, and if Mr Adams' return should result in the speedy construction of the railway none would rejoice more than himself. (Loud cheers.) A vote of thanks to the Returning Officer brought the proceedings to a close.